The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) have always worked with others to improve the lot of the people in the many communities where they have worked and are still working.
Over the years, the Congregation has built alliances with partners and consolidated collaborations with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In Lesotho, for example, support for the Transformation Resource Center encourages initiatives to promote the development of this small landlocked country in South Africa, where living conditions are extremely difficult following repetitive droughts and famines.
Already involved in the South (including Haiti, Brazil, Peru and Nicaragua), the SNJMs understand well the issues of inequality in this region of the world. Supporting Development and Peace – Caritas Canada, helps this NGO in its efforts with many organizations offering various services to the poor.
As a founding member of UNANIMA International, which brings together several religious congregations, the SNJMs continue to support this NGO, which makes numerous pleas to the United Nations on issues such as human trafficking, women’s rights and homelessness.
New forms of collaboration
In addition to these close collaborations, the SNJMs have developed new forms of relationship and commitment with lay people since the 1980s. Some of them, attracted by the spirit and mission of the congregation, have taken steps to nurture more meaningful relationships.
This affiliation has taken on distinct forms of relationships:
- Affiliated persons who commit themselves by promises
- Consecrated lay persons who commit themselves by private vows
- Cooperants who commit themselves to ministry in developing countries or who share an experience of missionary commitment in these countries
These specific forms of relationships are a source of mutual enrichment and contribute to advancing a cause and defending the rights of marginalized people and SNJM values.
These various ways of working with SNJMs can be helpful to people who are looking for ways to make sense of their lives or who want to make a difference in the world for all. How do you feel God’s call at this time in your life?